The Mitchell’s Plain community in Cape Town is in mourning following the heartbreaking deaths of Zainab Jacobs and her sister Gouwah Smith Newman, who were tragically shot and killed by their brother outside Portland Primary School on November 6, 2025. The incident has reignited concerns over Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa, with many calling for urgent action.
What Happened:
On the afternoon of November 6, 2025, at approximately 3 p.m., Zainab Jacobs and her sister Gouwah Smith Newman were collecting children from school outside Portland Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain when a violent altercation occurred. According to reports, their brother, aged 32, opened fire on the women on Wespoort Drive. Tragically, Gouwah was declared dead at the scene, while Zainab succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
A 12-year-old child was also reportedly caught in the crossfire, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The 32-year-old suspect fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after by police. He now faces two counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Authorities believe the attack stemmed from a dispute between the siblings over visitation rights to the suspect’s children.
Community Reactions and Advocacy:
The deaths of Zainab and Gouwah have left the community in shock, and the incident has reignited the ongoing dialogue about the high rates of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. In the wake of this tragedy, activists and citizens alike are calling for immediate action to address the rampant violence against women and children.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of yet another two beautiful souls. How many more lives must be taken before Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are finally declared a National Disaster?” said one community member, reflecting the sentiments of many who are demanding justice and change.
In response to this tragedy and to honor the victims, a Women’s Shutdown has been organized for November 21, 2025. This protest aims to draw attention to the epidemic of gender-based violence and to demand that the government take more decisive action. Participants will withdraw their labor and power in a collective act of solidarity, refusing to remain silent in the face of such devastating loss.
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Crisis:
The tragic deaths of Zainab and Gouwah are another grim chapter in the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide that continues to plague South Africa. Despite growing calls for change, the country remains one of the most dangerous for women, with thousands of lives lost to violence each year. Advocacy groups argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of these atrocities, including the normalization of violence in society, inadequate legal protection for women, and a failure to address the cultural and societal factors that perpetuate abuse.
What Happens Next:
The family and community of Zainab and Gouwah are left to grieve their tragic loss, while calls for justice grow louder. The 32-year-old brother, now in custody, will face charges in connection to the killings, and further investigations are ongoing.
Closing:
As the community of Mitchell’s Plain and the broader South African society mourn the senseless deaths of Zainab Jacobs and Gouwah Smith Newman, the need for urgent action to combat gender-based violence and femicide has never been more pressing. The Women’s Shutdown on November 21 will stand as a powerful reminder that women will no longer remain silent in the face of such overwhelming injustice.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
